Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Texas

Grassroots groups and small formal or informal organizations in Texas working on environmental justice, education, health, or stewardship can receive up to US $4,000 for organizing, public education, research, and seed funding. Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund prioritizes under-funded groups with budgets under $50,000 and projects featuring strong community participation and equity.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on preserving the natural environment can seek up to US $2,500 for grassroots conservation projects and startup efforts, including school-based native gardens. With a mission to protect lands, waters, and wildlife, The Environmental Fund of Texas provides project-focused support that may benefit environmental justice and advocacy initiatives engaging local communities.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public, tax-exempt schools preserving the natural environment can apply for The Environmental Fund of Texas Tier 2 grants, awarding US $2,501 - US $12,000 for priority projects. Funding supports work on water, natural areas, native wildlife, and public engagement, which may include environmental justice and advocacy efforts.

Focused on environmental justice and advocacy, Texas law school graduates can pursue a two-year postgraduate fellowship working with an environmental legal organization in Texas. The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law offers up to US $75,000 to support impactful projects, including new or ongoing environmental justice cases with committed host supervision.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose primary mission is preserving the natural environment and that have completed a Tier 2 grant can apply for The Environmental Fund of Texas’s Tier 3 awards up to US $25,000 for collaborative, project-based work. Funding supports water protection, natural areas, native wildlife, and conservation education that may advance environmental justice efforts.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, and Indigenous individuals conducting non-violent direct action or movement-building work can receive up to US $15,000 for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel. Grants from Ndn Collective help environmental justice and advocacy efforts across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and related Island Nations, which may include work connected to Texas communities.

Texas conservation districts, state and territory associations, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations can seek funding to expand technical assistance staff and services that support producers and land stewards. Focused on conservation and environmental justice, the National Association of Conservation Districts program backs outreach, education, and mentoring that improve sustainability, resilience, and civic engagement in locally led conservation systems nationwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Harris County, Texas can seek funding for environmental justice, conservation, recreation, health, education, arts, or family initiatives, including capacity building, general operations, or program support. Impact100 Houston provides US $100,000 grants intended to be spent within 12 months across five broad community-focused areas.

With a mission to fund transformational community initiatives, this program provides Texas 501(c)(3) organizations in Wichita, Archer, Clay, and Wilbarger counties with US $53,000 grants for arts, education, family, health, environment, and environmental justice projects. Nonprofits can request seed, program, or capital funding that innovates, deepens, or expands services within 24 months.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving veterans through environmental justice, conservation, recreation, or related programs can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. Focused on veteran-centered art, education, environment, family, and health initiatives, Impact100 Global Veterans invites eligible organizations, including those serving Texas, to submit a Letter of Intent.

Individual artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects in Texas addressing environmental issues and climate justice through art can apply for Puffin Foundation’s Environmental Artistic Activism support. Funding prioritizes solution-focused projects, especially those serving under-resourced communities, primarily taking place in the U.S. and using environmentally conscious methods and materials.

Texas youth ages 13–23 leading environmental justice or other kindness-driven social impact projects can access funding and a year-long fellowship through the Call for Kindness program. Riley's Way Foundation offers up to US $5,000 plus coaching, skill-building, mentorship, and peer support, with projects fiscally sponsored by or structured as 501(c)(3) organizations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations supporting or benefiting the Galveston, Texas community can apply for the Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund’s Resilient Island core grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $100,000 for climate resilience initiatives. Funding supports environmental justice, climate literacy, disaster preparedness, and nonprofit and community capacity to address climate change impacts in Galveston.

With a mission to support Galveston’s long-term well-being, Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund provides Texas environmental justice and community-focused nonprofits with micro-grants up to US $5,000. New or smaller 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Galveston, TX community can build capacity and launch programs that align with the Fund’s program areas and values.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits that are current Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund partners can seek up to US $7,500 for strategic organizational growth, such as consultants, training, or professional development. Focused on capacity building and resilience, the fund invites Galveston-serving organizations, including those advancing environmental justice and advocacy, to strengthen governance, equity, compliance, and disaster readiness.

Youth leaders ages 13 to 22 working on environmental justice and related environmental projects in Texas and across North America can receive recognition, leadership training, and US $3,000 awards. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards honor impactful, scalable youth-led initiatives and provide networking, media exposure, and a week-long leadership development experience.

Youth-led groups pursuing environmental projects in Texas can access funding through Earth Island Institute’s John Goddard Prize, which supports ambitious conservation, sustainability, and environmental justice initiatives. This nationwide microgrant program helps young leaders grow and advance their own project ideas, including efforts that address environmental justice and advocacy in their communities.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change and environmental justice can apply for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Bloomberg Green Docs Contest, which awards US $25,000 for a winning film. Focused on environmental justice and advocacy, this global opportunity may benefit Texas storytellers highlighting urgent climate issues and community impacts.

The Science Policy Fellowship, offered by the American Chemical Society, provides a unique opportunity for trained scientists to engage in public policy. This program enhances understanding of the policy-making process, allowing Fellows to work alongside experienced Government Affairs staff. The Fellowship focuses on key areas such as federal research funding, education in STEM, and environmental policies. Candidates with a strong background in chemical sciences or engineering are encouraged to apply, regardless of holding a doctorate.

Patagonia’s Corporate Grant supports grassroots organizations focused on bold, direct-action campaigns that address the root causes of environmental issues. The program emphasizes equity, inclusivity, and long-term change, targeting communities affected by environmental exploitation. Grants are awarded to innovative groups within the US and Canada, fostering civic engagement and measurable objectives. Patagonia prioritizes funding for initiatives that confront systemic bias and promote environmental justice, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the environmental movement.

About Us

The Youth Climate Justice Fund aims to support climate justice young leaders with trust-based funding, resources, and capacity strengthening, enabling them to amplify their voices and to keep their vision and influence alive.

Collectively, we have the power to ignite meaningful change and build equitable and sustainable futures. Despite the challenges posed by the current crisis, youth climate justice organizers remain determined to address current issues and explore new approaches.

Mission & Purpose

We work to strengthen existing organizing efforts and support emerging youth-led initiatives with a focus on bridging funders and organizers to enable flexible and impactful support. Through capacity strengthening and resource sharing, we empower and support young people to drive change and build a just and sustainable future.

How To Apply

The Youth Climate Justice Fund provides funding to emerging youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups through a participatory decision-making process.

Levine Impact Lab

The Levine Impact Lab powers equitable transformation by investing in nonprofit leadership, building community organizations’ capacities, and building their capacity to accelerate positive social and environmental change.

We combine venture-capital expertise and inspired philanthropic thinking to radically amplify the value of giving.

Levine Impact Lab Operational Support Program

The Levine Impact Lab’s Operational Support Program is an 18-month, high-engagement operational partnership designed to help environmental organizations move strategic and financial priorities forward.

At the core of the program is hands-on operational support: our team works side-by-side with your leaders to drive progress on a critical project, whether it’s strengthening your financial infrastructure, increasing earned revenue, or planning for growth.

This is a working partnership. The grant funding and peer-learning community are designed to support and accelerate your momentum.

We are the best fit for organizations that:

• Operate at the intersection of environmental impact and social enterprise
• Are past the startup phase but still in a critical growth stage
• See LIL as a thought partner in unlocking strategy, scale, and sustainability
• Show up with clear goals and a commitment to moving the work forward

More information about participation commitments here.

What is Operational Support?

To get the most out of this program, organizations must come prepared with a specific project, workstream, or organizational challenge they want to tackle over the 18 months with operational support. 

Potential Area(s) of Support: 

• Financial strategy and planning
• Fundraising, development and donor engagement strategy
• Cost structure analysis
• Program development or expansion
• Corporate partnership strategy 
• New location or geographic expansion
• RFP support/capital planning
• Strategic planning
• Board engagement

Find examples of what past cohorts have worked on here.

People

The success of this program relies on having the right organizational leaders at the table. Each organization must commit two senior staff members who are equipped to make key decisions, drive implementation, and stay closely involved throughout the 18-month engagement. These leaders must:

• Have clear decision-making authority and/or strong backing from the Executive Director or CEO
• Be directly involved in the project or challenge the organization is addressing
• Be able to commit time, energy, and focus to move the work forward

There will also be opportunities to include additional staff members in operational projects, as needed, to ensure the right voices and expertise are present. 

Who this might include: Executive Director and Finance Director, Business Development Manager and Operations Lead, or Marketing Manager and Development Director, depending on the nature of your project.

What We Offer

• Tailored 1:1 operational support and strategic advising
• A national cohort of up to 10 organizations
• Peer network of strategic thought partners
• Virtual and in-person workshops and events
• Private Slack channel
• Exclusive alumni programming
• Grant funds over two years
• Supportive peer-learning community
• Accelerated organizational growth and momentum through strategic partnership with LIL

View Program Flyer here.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas working on environmental justice, conservation, education, or sustainable development across the Americas can apply for Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas’ MCFA Grant. Funding supports biodiversity conservation, environmental education, environmental justice for marginalized communities, and sustainable livelihood or green enterprise projects in environmentally sensitive areas.

The Fund for Wild Nature Grant empowers small non-profit organizations in Canada and the U.S. that prioritize the preservation of native species and ecosystems. With a biocentric approach, this grant supports innovative initiatives combating environmental degradation. Organizations must be tax-exempt and can only submit one proposal annually. Grants do not exceed $3,000, ensuring funding is directed to impactful projects addressing ecological issues often overlooked. Join the Fund in investing in the future of wild nature!

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.